Local hopes fade as Stosur losses

Sam Stosur
’s shattering first-round exit will have Seven Media Group executives nervous about the ratings for the Australian Open.

The two key Australian players for Seven before the tournament were the reigning US Open champion in Stosur and the emerging star of Australian tennis,
Bernard Tomic
.

But with Stosur eliminated by Romanian Sorana Cirstea yesterday, Tomic will have to carry the hopes of local tennis viewers.

Tomic plays the US’s Sam Querrey in the second round tonight.

Managing director of media agency Fusion Strategy Steve Allen said Stosur’s first-round loss was very disappointing for “her, the fans and Tennis Australia of course, but it will be for Seven as well’’.

The biggest ratings for the Australian Open were generated when Australian players did well, Allen said. That was demonstrated in 2005 when
Lleyton Hewitt
’s charge to the men’s singles final produced record ratings.

Tomic so far has had a similar impact. His enthralling five-set victory over Fernando Verdasco on the first day produced a 45 per cent increase in ratings for Seven.

While that was a day-time audience and still low numbers compared to prime-time viewing, Allen said it highlighted the importance of having an Australian doing well on the court.

Related Quotes

Company Profile

“They were good figures on ­Monday for Tomic. Now we have to see how much is due to him and whether that can be maintained throughout the tournament.

“If there was a Tomic-effect to those good early numbers, Seven will want him to make it into the second week of the Australian Open, although that won’t be easy with his draw."

Stosur remaining in the event would have helped Seven but the highest ranking Australian player was in trouble for most of the match at Rod Laver Arena.

She was unable to capitalise after breaking Cirstea’s serve in the opening game. The Romanian soon recovered and had Stosur under pressure for most of the game with her powerful forehand and good footwork.

There had been concerns about ­Stosur after she lost in the early rounds of a number of lead-up tournaments in Australia.

However
Jelena Dokic
remains in the tournament after she defeated Russian Anna Chakvetadze 6-2 6-1 in a match badly affected by the winds which have swirled around Melbourne Park on the opening days of the ­tournament.

Dokic thought she had been ­nervous in the Sydney International, which contributed to her loss. But she had greater control over her nerves against the Russian.

Stosur’s world ranking meant most of the attention had been on her for this Open. That has allowed Dokic to stay in the background.

But with Stosur eliminated, there will be more focus on Dokic to see whether she can progress through the tournament.